Penne Italian Sausage Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Penne Italian Sausage Bake, a hearty and satisfying pasta casserole that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This irresistible dish features al dente penne pasta tossed with a rich, savory marinara sauce infused with the bold flavors of Italian sausage, garlic, onion, and a medley of herbs like oregano and basil. Layers of gooey mozzarella and nutty parmesan cheese create a golden, bubbly topping that will have everyone going back for seconds. Ready in just an hour, this easy-to-make baked pasta recipe is customizable with mild or spicy sausage and a hint of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve it straight out of the oven, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and watch it become your go-to crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknight meals or potluck gatherings, this cheesy penne bake is a must-try for pasta lovers!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams penne pasta
- 500 grams Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 750 milliliters marinara sauce
- 250 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspooon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage and marinara mixture in a large bowl. Mix until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the pasta. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4798 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 249.7 g | 320% | |
| Saturated Fat | 98.3 g | 492% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 649 mg | 216% | |
| Sodium | 10688 mg | 465% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 384.2 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.9 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.4 g | ||
| Protein | 240.5 g | 481% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3136 mg | 241% | |
| Iron | 26.5 mg | 147% | |
| Potassium | 2510 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
